pope benedict, who met with italy's prime minister today in one of his last private audiences, steps down february 28. the conclave, currently set for mid-march, could happen sooner if the cardinals approve. now to southern california and questions facing the sheriff of san bernardino county about his department'sing of the deadly standoff with former l.a. cop christopher dorner. carter evans tells us the sheriff is standing by his deposit. >> reporter: authorities are now releasing more details about christopher dorner's final hours. we were caught in the cross-fire, a gun battle that lasted nearly an hour. then silence. swat team leader greg herbert: >> there was no response from the suspect, none, no movement. and we felt that, based upon his behavior, that he was laying in wait for us. >> reporter: with daylight fading, herbert's team deployed a powerful form of tear gas known as a burner. the cabin caught fire and as the flames grew larger. >> we heard a distinct single gunshot come from inside the house. >> the information we have right now seems to indicate that the wound that